A RARE 16th-century seal connected to the royal House of Stewart (or Stuart as the name later became) is being auctioned live online by Edinburgh-headquartered Lyon & Turnbull this Tuesday.
The Stewart rule spanned nine monarchs, beginning in Scotland in 1371 and ending in 1714, by which time it also encompassed England and Ireland.
The James Stewart, Commendator of Melrose Seal has remarkably survived nearly 500 years and would have been made for one of King James V’s seven illegitimate sons, four of whom were called James/John.
The title demonstrates recognition by their father (Mary, Queen of Scots would become his only surviving legitimate child) despite being born out of wedlock and not receiving royal titles.
James Stewart’s position as Commendator of the Abbeys of both Kelso and Melrose made him very influential.
By giving James Stewart the title of Commendator, the king not only instilled a level of power in his son, the role also served to protect the king’s interest in areas bordering England.
The last time this particular seal, which relates to Melrose Abbey, was seen in public was in 1901. It was displayed during the Glasgow International Exhibition at Kelvingrove Park which attracted more than 11.5 million visitors.
Since that time, the seal, one of a collection up for sale, has remained in the same family.
Colin Fraser, consultant specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, said: “Such early and historical survivals are rare for Scotland. Something so personal to the owner and, in this case an owner with such power and close connection to the Royal Stewart household, is remarkable. While early seals do survive, the vast majority are in institutional collections so never become available to collectors. This is a very unusual opportunity for someone to own an amazing piece of history.”
Interest in this rare item is expected to be high, with bidding starting at £1000.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here